Former Milan and Roma manager Fabio Capello shared his thoughts on the recent Serie A matches, particularly focusing on the goalless draw between Juventus and Napoli. Writing for La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello said of Juve v Napoli:
“Both Thiago Motta and Antonio Conte can be satisfied with the point at the Stadium,” Capello stated. “We must remember that both managers are still in the experimental phase, having arrived just a few months ago.”
Capello noted that Napoli, playing with a four-man defense for the first time and McTominay in midfield, tried to win in the first half but became more conservative after the break. He criticized Juventus for lacking a decisive moment, as seen in their matches against Roma and Empoli.
The pundit also commented on the substitutions made by both managers. “Motta removed Vlahovic at halftime, giving the impression of missing the type of striker that made his Bologna great. Dusan is not Zirkzee; he’s a penalty box striker, not an exceptional playmaker,” Capello explained.
Regarding Conte’s changes, Capello said, “Conte courageously substituted his entire front three, including Lukaku and Kvaratskhelia, with less than 20 minutes to go. I believe Antonio was right; if the three up front aren’t giving you much and struggling to work for the team, it’s right to change something.”
Capello pointed out areas for improvement for both teams. “Juventus are still too slow in ball circulation and lack quality in the final third. If Yildiz doesn’t light up or Cambiaso doesn’t occasionally push forward, they struggle to create between the lines against closed defenses,” he observed.
On Napoli, Capello noted, “The match at the Stadium confirmed once again how Lukaku tends to disappear when facing a high-level defense. Yesterday, Bremer and his teammates sent him off his game too easily.”
Looking ahead to the Milan derby, Capello warned Inter against complacency despite their recent strong performance against Manchester City. He also discussed the pressure on Milan coach Paulo Fonseca, saying, “Fonseca is taking a big risk with two strikers plus Pulisic and Leao. If he wins, he’ll be right; otherwise, he’ll face what everyone is already thinking.”
Finally, Capello praised Torino, the surprise league leaders. “Torino gives the impression of cohesion, unity of purpose, and super teamwork. These are characteristics that are not easy to instill in a group in such a short time,” he concluded.
